AUSTRALIA.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2237, 29 April 1881, Page 3

AUSTRALIA.

[eetjteb’3 tblegbams.] MELBOURNE. April 28, The Ferret Unearthed.

A steamer named the India, which recently arrived hero from the Mauritius, has been seized by the Commissioner of Customs for sailing under a false register. The vessel is understood to bo the Ferret, which mysteriously disappeared from Glasgow at the beginning of February last, leaving a number of valueless bills in payment of its debts. Yon Complements. Professor Renlaur, German Commissioner to the Melbourne Exhibition, will shortly proceed on a visit to New Zealand. Populations. The Victorian census return, taken on the night of the 3rd inst., gives the population of Melbourne and its environs as 252,000, Sandhurst 35,000, Ballarat 43,000, and Geelong 13,000. Presbyterian. It has transpired that at a meeting of the Melbourne Presbytery a motion by the Rev. Mr Ballantine was adopted, expressing regret at the character of the Rev. O. Strong’s article in the “ Victorian Review,” and recommending a closer adhesion to the standards of Presbyterianism on the part of that gentleman.

SYDNEY, April 28. Land.

A number of capitalists in this city and Melbourne are making arrangements for stocking an extensive tract of unoccupied country in the Northern territory. It is stated that 50,000 head of cattle will be placed upon the land as soon as the negotiations are completed. It is believed that this enterprise will inaugurate extensive occupation of Northern Australia for cattle breeding. Shipping. Sailed —Ringarooma, for Russell.